The Arab Blues: Deserted

The Arab Blues is a Chicago-based duo of multi-instrumentalist Rami Gabriel and percussionist Karim Nagi, who, as the name suggests, blend electric blues with Arabic musical genres.  Gabriel and Nagi are also accomplished improvisers, and their creative spontaneity shines on their fourth release, the enchanting Deserted.

Gabriel starts the title track with a simmering intro that evolves into a soulful swagger. Nagi responds with his eastern percussion, adding a mystical touch.  Bassist Miles Jay anchors this vibrant interaction with dense, muscular lines.  The resulting music packs a visceral punch yet remains suavely hypnotic.

The group veers more eastward on the "Tahmila Huzam."  Tahmila is a classic Arab instrumental style that consists of group refrains separated by improvised solos. Nagi starts with poignant, swaying beats while his bandmates play the main theme with dramatic flair.  Between the repeating motifs, Nagi takes center stage with an inventive extemporization.

Meanwhile, "Choubinaut" has dense chords and blistering guitar vamps over a percolating cadence.  It has a foot in the rock tradition, albeit laced with Levantine lyricism.  The fiery group interplay concludes the tune on a passionate note.

"Part of Texas," as is implied, is a melody with tinges of country and blues.  Nagi's percussion and Gabriel's twangy strings give it an eastern flavor.  Jay takes a moving solo. His con arco phrases have an Arabic tonality, solidifying the east-meets-west concept of the piece and the album as a whole.

The recording concludes with the contemplative and romantic "Bissee (in dub).  It sashays with elegance and with shimmering hues.  Its ambiance is haunting and cinematic.  The mix of the Cretan lyra, the oud, and the rustling percussion builds a fairy tale-like mood that captivates and charms.

Both accessible and stimulating, Deserted is a very enjoyable album. It has the verve of a live performance and the polished energy of a studio date.  The Arab Blues has recorded a uniquely modern work of fusion.